Alpacka Alpackalypse - Packrafting the Grand Canyon 

Many thanks! Greetings from Australia 🇦🇺

That is a really good question. For me it depends on the size of the group and the nature of the river. On this trip we had a group of 16 with about half in packrafts and half in large oar rafts so it was easy for others to help. Interestingly when we first started on this trip many thought that the big rafts would be looking after the packrafts but this was not the case as it was much easier for packrafts to rescue packrafters. This was done regularly on the trip! In a decent sized group of 4+ paddlers normally 1 or 2 confident and competent paddlers would chase the boat, paddle or any lost gear whilst the others look after the swimmer. In a small group of 3 or less it can be a problematic situation as there is the dilemma of whether to chase the boat or the swimmer or the paddle. Obviously the swimmer is more important than equipment however they can often self rescue by swimming to shore and in a remote environment, losing your boat, can actually be dangerous. It is one of the big reasons that I discourage solo paddling as the consequence on some rivers of being separated from your gear is severe. When in small groups (3 or less) I suggest that paddlers are carrying some emergency gear on them (e.g. a PLB in their PFD and some fire starting tools) as it is quite possible to lose a boat or even a couple - either temporarily or permanently. It happens! When I capsize I try extremely hard to keep hold of my packraft (& paddle) so even before I exit it I am hanging on to the thigh straps. The great thing about packrafts is that, with practice and good technique, self-rescue can be quick and 'relatively' easy. I have recently written a couple of articles for Hyperlite Mountain Gear on whitewater safety for packrafters and will put the link ups when they are published.

This was in 2014 so prior to removeable WW decks and prior to Alpacka making self-bailers, etc. I think everyone had WW decks on their main packrafts (i.e. no Cruiser Decks) although we did have two self-bailers with us. One I created by modifying a removeable Cruiser Decked Yak. We took the deck but found that we really didn't need it as the boat bailed well. Consequently we didn't use it. The other self-bailer was a Feathercraft Bolder. A number of us also took ultralight Scouts/Ghosts/Supai boats (non-decked) for short sections involving canyoneering. We were super-impressed with how well our DIY self-bailer performed and as a result I have promoting self-bailers ever since. We thought about going for a removeable WW deck on a recent Gnarwhal purchase but ultimately went for a WW deck as we hope to use this boat in cold water environments (one day) like Alaska. I have no actual experience with the Alpacka removeable WW decks myself so cannot comment. Cheers

Thanks for the info! Looked like a rowdy trip!

Galleta's Dad at your size, get the Gnarwhal. You’ll be happy you did

The one in the video is the original Alpackalypse. Alpacka have improved it further since then. This is the WW decked version and as much as I like self-bailers for the majority of my trips I would definitely stick with a WW deck for the Alpackalpyse due to its lower profile and lower volume. A great boat!

Mark Oates how bigger reg. Alpaca when packed and how heavier? Price difference? Thanks for responding! )

Unsure on the new versions but www.alpackaraft.com/rafting/product/alpackalypse-2/ should have all this info!

Mark Oates thanks!) Really lovely craft! Think to buy or do myself something similar with some mods)

Doing 4 DIY for the price of one Alpacka packrafts, although id love to purchase one someday. 💯✌🏽